Ciryl Gane became UFC interim heavyweight champion at UFC 265 with a TKO win over Derrick Lewis. In the co-main event, Jose Aldo defeated Pedro Munhoz via decision. Today we will be looking into what comes next for the losers of UFC 265.
Derrick Lewis
Derrick Lewis has beaten almost everyone in the heavyweight division including the champion, Francis Ngannou. Prior to his loss this past weekend, he was on a four fight win streak. His next fight should still be a number one contender’s fight. This would be Jon Jones’ ideal time to make his heavyweight debut. Jones has already been offered a fight with Stipe Miocic. If Jones wants to take more time off and Miocic wants to take a fight in the meantime, a fight between him and Lewis would be just as good.
Lewis’ next fight: Jon Jones
Pedro Munhoz
His loss this past weekend makes Munhoz 1-3 in his last four fights. Munhoz came into the fight ranked number nine in the division. This loss will likely push him right outside the top ten. His next fight should be a trilogy fight with Jimmie Rivera. Both men have a win over one another and Rivera is currently ranked number 13 in the division. Not to mention their most recent fight was awarded a Fight of the Night bonus.
Munhoz’s next fight: Jimmie Rivera
Michael Chiesa
Michael Chiesa’s stellar run at welterweight finally hit a speed bump at UFC 265, in the form of Vicente Luque. Chiesa had his moments on the ground, but was ultimately caught in a d’arce choke. The loss won’t set him too far back, but he will need a couple of wins to get back in contention. After releasing a respectful and contemplative statement following the loss, Chiesa knows exactly what to work one. Once he’s ready, another big fight should be in order. Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is also coming off a disheartening loss, and has been a staple of the 170lb division for years. It makes sense to pair them up.
Chiesa’s next fight: Stephen Thompson
Angela Hill
Angela Hill lost a decision to Tecia Torres this past weekend at UFC 265. That loss makes her 3-3 since 2020. She’s only won once in her last four fights, against Ashley Yoder earlier this year. Hill should be looking to fight an up and coming fighter like Montserrat Ruiz. Ruiz is 1-2 in the UFC and has half of the professional experience of Hill. This would be a perfect test for Hill to see if she still has what it takes to compete in the UFC.
Hill’s next fight: Montserrat Ruiz
Casey Kenney
Casey Kenney lost a split decision to Song Yadong in a very close fight this past weekend. A lot of fans felt Kenney should have walked away with the victory. The loss puts Kenney on a two fight skid as he also lost another split decision to Dominick Cruz earlier this year. It is very possible the UFC will throw Kenney in there with another veteran of the sport in his next fight. Someone with a good record that is currently ranked outside of the top 15. A guy like Davey Grant.
Grant is 4-4 in the UFC but has a professional record of 13-5. Eight of those 13 wins have been submissions and he has never been knocked out. All three of his last three fights have won performance bonuses. A perfect chance for Kenney to prove he belongs in the top 15 while making good money doing it.
Kenney’s next fight: Davey Grant
